We are looking for exoplanets relatively close by, in astronomical terms. This specific star is about 285 light years away according to the article, barely a rounding error in evolution's timescale. If we see life, there is most probably life still there - we just can't interact with it in any meaningful way.
pathanb t1_ixgb09y wrote
Reply to comment by MannerAlarming6150 in NASA’s Webb Reveals an Exoplanet Atmosphere as Never Seen Before by madneon_
We are looking for exoplanets relatively close by, in astronomical terms. This specific star is about 285 light years away according to the article, barely a rounding error in evolution's timescale. If we see life, there is most probably life still there - we just can't interact with it in any meaningful way.